Eden Hazard backs Jose Mourinho to restore Real Madrid’s success

Eden Hazard has welcomed Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, saying the Portuguese manager has the experience needed to help the Spanish club reclaim its position among football’s leading sides and return to winning major trophies.

Hazard knows Mourinho well from their time together at Chelsea and believes that previous relationship gives him a clear understanding of the manager’s coaching ability and experience.

“I know Jose, so I am happy to see him at Real Madrid,” said the former Belgium international. “This club has a special place in my heart. He has the experience, and the team is great.”

Mourinho returned to Real Madrid this summer, 13 years after the conclusion of his first spell at the club. His initial period in charge ran from 2010 to 2013, during which he guided the team to the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

After several years away from the Santiago Bernabeu, Mourinho has begun a second spell in charge on a contract running for three seasons, until 2029.

The 63-year-old left Benfica to take up the Real Madrid job again and will hope to reproduce the success of his first tenure by leading the club to further honours over the next three years. His previous experience at the club, along with his knowledge of its expectations and ambitions, will be central to that task.

Hazard also discussed Vinicius Junior and Mourinho’s reported desire to make the Brazilian more effective in front of goal. However, he stressed that Real Madrid’s collective success must remain more important than individual achievements.

Asked about Vinicius in comments reported by French website Foot Mercato, Hazard said: “We all want Vinicius to score goals, but in the end, we want Real Madrid to win.”

The comments underline Hazard’s belief that the Brazilian’s personal statistics should be considered within the wider needs of the team. Mourinho’s challenge will be to maximise Vinicius’ contribution while building a side capable of competing for silverware.

Hazard’s support reflects his confidence in Mourinho’s ability to manage the demands of Real Madrid, a club he still regards with particular affection. The Portuguese manager is now aiming to use his familiarity with the club and his past achievements there to deliver another successful three-year period.